What does a database administrator do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Database administrators (DBAs) store and organize data, keep it secure and make sure users can reach it. Database architects design and build the databases. Both typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field and a working knowledge of database languages, especially SQL.
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| O*NET-SOC code | 15-1242.00 (Database Administrators) |
| Typical entry-level education | Bachelor's degree |
| Licensing | None; employers may require vendor certifications |
| Median annual wage | $126,760 per year, combined profile (May 2025, BLS) |
| Projected growth | 4 percent, 2025 to 2035 (as fast as average) |
| Number of jobs | 144,500 (2025) |
| Projected openings | About 7,300 per year, on average, over the decade |
What does a database administrator do?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) lists these duties:
- Identify user needs and create and administer databases.
- Design and build new databases.
- Keep organizational data secure.
- Back up and restore data to prevent loss.
- Keep databases efficient and error-free.
- Make and test changes to database structure.
- Maintain databases and update permissions.
System DBAs handle the physical and technical aspects, such as upgrades and patches. Application DBAs focus on the database for specific applications and may write or debug programs.
Work environment
In 2025, about 75,000 people worked as database administrators and 69,500 as database architects. For database administrators, computer systems design employs 14 percent, finance and insurance 12 percent, educational services 11 percent, state and local government 9 percent and information 8 percent. Most work full time.
Education, training and licensing
- Education: Typically a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field such as engineering. Some database administrators study business, and some employers prefer a master's degree in data or database management.
- Skills: An understanding of database languages, especially SQL, and the programming language used by the employer.
- Certification: Offered by software vendors and vendor-neutral providers, and employers may require certification in the products they use.
- Advancement: DBAs can move into computer and information systems management, and experienced DBAs may become database architects.
Skills that matter
The OOH names analytical skills, communication skills, attention to detail and problem-solving skills. O*NET lists the skills, knowledge and work activities for this occupation, which is useful when you tailor a resume.
How much do database administrators make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $126,760 per year for the combined profile (May 2025). Database administrators had a median of $104,620, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $60,230 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $163,320. Database architects had a median of $139,500, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $86,240 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $204,000.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 4 percent from 2025 to 2035, as fast as the average for all occupations, a gain of 6,500 jobs, with about 7,300 openings projected each year on average over the decade.
How to get hired
- Learn SQL well. It is named by BLS as a key skill. Build and query a real database and be ready to explain your design choices.
- Practice backup and recovery. Backing up and restoring data is a core duty, so show you have done it.
- Match certifications to postings. Employers may require certification in the products they use.
- Tailor your resume. Our ATS resume guide covers keywords and format. Moving from another IT role? See career change resume.
- Search steadily. Use our find a job fast routine and search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Computer and information systems managers; computer network architects; software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers; information security analysts; computer systems analysts; computer programmers; network and computer systems administrators; operations research analysts; financial analysts.
Frequently asked questions
Do database administrators need a degree? Typically a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers prefer a master's degree in data or database management.
What is the difference between a DBA and a database architect? Administrators keep databases running, secure and efficient. Architects design and build them. Experienced DBAs may become architects.
Is SQL required? BLS lists an understanding of database languages, especially SQL, as a key skill.
Is database administration growing? BLS projects 4 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, as fast as average.
Related guides
Sources
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Database Administrators and Architects: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, Database Administrators (15-1242.00): https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1242.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
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